Newcastle United: Five-piece feature on the club's facilities

The winger tried but as the game wore on it became abundantly clear that he was fighting a losing battle.

That’s no slight on the other players, because in most teams you have players who aren’t vocal or leaders but who flourish by being allowed to get on with their job without having to be the one who pushes their side on.

David Ginola, for example, was not a leader, nor was the likes of Andy Cole, but they were surrounded by players who took on the responsibility and in turn allowed them to concentrate on their own game.

Ginola had Alan Shearer and Rob Lee, while Cole had the likes of Paul Bracewell, Barry Venison and Brian Kilcline. Players, even without the armband, who were known to be vocal and could pick the team up at their lowest ebb.

On Saturday, there appeared to be none of that. Even with the players seen as the senior figures - such as Mo Diame and Martin Dubravka - something was missing.

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Federico Fernandez tried. He could been seen directing and trying to organise but in the muted atmosphere of what St James’ Park became late on Saturday afternoon, the lack of chat on the pitch was alarming.

In your toughest time, leaders are needed on the pitch but as injuries hit - as they have done with Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey - the responsibility needs to fall elsewhere.

Sadly, no one should be surprised. Rafa Benitez was worried about the club’s lack of experience, which often comes hand in hand with leadership attributes.

Other than deadline-day signing Fernandez and perhaps Ki Sung-yeung, the experience and leadership Benitez craved did not arrive.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal is challenged by Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on September 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Last year saw the squad pull together - driven by Lascelles, Dubravka, Ritchie and Shelvey - every man stepped up to be counted.

It seemed everyone knew their role and were determined to pull United as far up the league as they could go.

The desire and effort is still there from the squad but without Lascelles and Shelvey, the lack of leadership is stifling the rest of the squad from flourishing.